Daily physical activity is not only fun, but one of the most important things you can do for your physical and mental health. Daily physical activity helps prevent and manage depression and other chronic diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

Physical activity is important for everyone. This includes gardening, walking to the grocery store, or biking to work. Daily physical activity has been shown to help children do better in school, and improve the ability of older adults to stay active and prevent falls.

The Oregon Public Health Division is working with community and statewide agencies and partners to assure the places where we live, work, play and learn make it easy for adults and children of all ability levels to be physically active. This includes safe walking and bicycling routes, alternative transportation such as buses and light rail, and recreational opportunities that are easily accessible and affordable.